Some key quotes from Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen at today’s end-of-season presser:

On the identity the team has established: “I think the Blue Jackets are well known around the league for the identity that we have, which is hard working, hard to play against, never quit, blue-collar team.”

On the room for growth: “We have the youngest team in the league, and everybody can get better. I’m so excited about the potential that we have there. … We don’t have any guys that are over the hill.”

On Ryan Johansen: “I get goose-bumps thinking about where this guy could go with his career.”

On the closeness of the team: “It’s a great group of guys. It’s really a special group of guys. … We can take this to the next level. I’m convinced about that.”

On potential for moves this summer: “I think we have to be careful. We want to keep the good chemistry.”

1) please review the past three seasons of the Blue Jackets and then compare/contrast with the definition of ‘trending up’
2011-12: 29/46/7 won 35.4% of games played
2012-13: 24/17/7* (abbreviated season) won 50% of games played
2013-14: 43/32/7 won 52.4% games played

2) Yes we are patting ourselves on the back, hard. We are proud of our team. They secured a playoff spot in a tough year after only making one other appearance. We want them to do well and wont abandon them when the dont. Btw… we are one of the youngest teams in the league (14yrs old). As a contrast it took the Pens 24 years to secure a decent playoff showing.

3) Why the name calling (BJ-fgs)????

4) While no one can accurately predict what that the future holds, we are excited about what it COULD mean. Our players stepped up and got us to a playoff spot. Yes, they had some missteps during their series, but, we hope they learn from it and take that knowledge into next season. Based on how they played this year, and the fact our management is behind the team 100%, We have hope for the future. So, yes, we are happy-giddy… as you put it.

And you forgot: 5) The Hockey News Future Watch team rankings gave Columbus an A- and ranked them #2. That translates to future success if the young guys and handled properly. 6) Since middle of last season (just over 100 games), the Jackets have the 8th best record in the NHL.

So there are a lot of indicators that a bright future is in store in Ohio. And how can you not like a team that doesn’t have any quit in them.